United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut was proud to participate in the Jumpstart's Read for the Record -- a mobilization of millions of children and adults to participate in a nationwide shared reading experience -- on Tuesday, October 21. Thanks to our great partners and caring volunteers for supporting the event and sharing the joy of reading!

Together, we mobilized more than 90 volunteers from more than 18 workplaces to read to 2,000 children in 100 classrooms in Hartford and New Britain. Volunteers entered their assigned elementary classrooms to read Rosemary Wells' Bunny Cakes, a comical children's book about bonding and birthday fun. This event is one part of an ongoing effort to build reading skills and academic success for our youth. By participating, our volunteers truly sent a powerful message to children about the importance of literacy simply by showing that they care.

Interested in volunteering to read with a child once a week in Hartford, New Britain or Enfield? To get involved in upcoming one-time reading opportunities, or to become a United Way Reader and provide one-on-one assistance to a child once a week, please visit www.unitedwayinc.org/read